Gun Control Debate Thrust Back Into Spotlight After Shooting - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

As the funerals begin in Newtown, Conn., an old debate has been given new life in the nation's capital.

Gun control legislation has been pushed back into the spotlight.

In a packed auditorium in Newtown, President Barack Obama walked on stage after meeting with the families of the youngest victims, and he asked whether the nation was doing enough to protect children.

"I've been reflecting on this the last few days, and if we're honest with ourselves, the answer is no. We're not doing enough. And we will have to change," Obama said.

The president didn't say what kind of change he would advocate. But even some of his supporters say he needs to push for comprehensive gun control.

"It's time for the President, I think, to stand up and lead and tell this country what we should do, not go to Congress and say, 'What do you guys want to do?,'" New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on a Sunday morning talk show. "

And Congress may not wait for that leadership.

"It's a first day bill I'm going to introduce in the Senate, and the same bill will be introduced in the House, a bill to ban assault weapons," Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) said.

And while many gun rights advocates kept their distance from the debate in the immediate aftermath of the shootings, some pointed to the very complicated scenario in Newtown involving not just guns but a killer who may have been battling a mental illness.

"Some people, young people, as they're making this transition from their teen years into adulthood, aren't able to mentally make that transition," Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) said. "And there does need to be help. But we're also going to need to look to families and communities and churches. It's not just a government solution."

Fox News correspondent Doug Luzader has more in this video report from Washington on Monday morning.